A golden Quartz whose name springs from the French word for lemon, Citrines range from yellow to gold to an almost golden brown color. Citrine blends well with the sheen of gold.

Citrine is sometimes referred to as Topaz Quartz, which is inaccurate. Topaz is an entirely separate mineral. However, Citrine does sometimes substitute for Topaz as a birthstone.

Citrine starts out as Amethyst, which is heated until the color changes to a golden hue. It is durable as long as it is kept out of strong light and away from heat.

The darker orange shades of Citrine, sometimes called Madeira Citrine after the color of Madeira wine, have in the past been the most coveted. In modern times, people tend towards the bright lemony shades which mix well with pastels.

Most Citrine is mined in Brazil. The Serra mine in Rio Grande do Sol produces 300 kilos a month of hammered stones, and the Iraa mine produces about 100 kilos.

In olden days, Citrine protected against venomous snakes and evil thoughts.